Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca Forest Challenge Hike Full-Day Trip

The tour takes you on a challenging hike (10,4km=6.5mi), uphill and on rough terrain, through the Tijuca Rainforest. The elevation gain of 848 meters (2,782 feet) is perfect for the more adventurous and prepared hikers. Tijuca Forest os one of the biggest urban forests on the planet, on this off-the-beaten-track circuit of trails to discover the nature and beauty of the jungle, reaching the Taquara Hill (814m=2670ft). This peak is a 100m higher than the Christ Redeemer statue, and on clear days, you have 2 amazing views: one to the valley of the forest and another to the West part of Rio, its coastline and lagoons.

After that, you will go to a deeper part of the jungle following a trail that is almost secret as it is very rare to see other people doing it. Within 1 hour of hiking up and downhill, you will reach the ruins of an old coffee farm and, with a bit more walking, you will reach a grotto and a cave in the middle of the rainforest. After this, you head to a waterfall* where you can refresh yourself (bring a towel and bathing suit).

The hike covers a total of approximately 10,4 kilometers (6.5miles) and will take around 5 hours. Go up and downhill with an elevation gain of 848 meters (2,782 feet). The trail circuit was designed by experts in the Tijuca Forest Park using tracks and sites that are not well-known or regularly visited, so you'll be hiking in a very unusual part of the forest. 
The scenery of this tour is amazing and it has a lot to offer as you are visiting sites that are not featured in most tours. On the way up, you will learn the history of Brazil, Rio, the Tijuca Forest, and everything about the coffee farms that used to occupy that area before the reforestation that happened in the 1800's.

* The water flow on the waterfalls varies according to the intensity of the rain.
* The tour also goes to Vista Chinesa summit after the hike but only on working days (on weekends/holidays Vista Chinesa is closed for vehicles)